Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said in the past that more Model S variants were in the pipeline, which led us to speculate that one would likely be an all-wheel-drive version built using the dual-motor setup previewed in the Model X crossover. Since both cars are spun from the same underlying structure, installing the Model X’s all-wheel-drive system in the Model S should be a no-brainer for the Californian electric car startup.

Now The Verge, citing an inside source, is reporting that the all-wheel-drive Model S is a sure thing and that the car may be launched as early as next year. Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] is likely to initially offer it on its range-topping P85 trim and, depending on demand, may extend it across the range.

All-wheel drive would improve the car’s popularity in the Northern states, where winter driving demands extra traction for performance-oriented vehicles. It’s one of the reasons Mercedes-Benz’s go-fast division AMG is gradually switching its full lineup to all-wheel-drive cars and Jaguar is offering the option for the first time on its XF and XJ sedans.

If you’re a performance fan, which you must be since you’re reading Motor Authority, you’re probably wondering what the extra traction could do for the Model S’ acceleration times (we've seen one do 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds). Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to find out.

The Christian Science Monitor has assembled a diverse group of the best auto bloggers out there. Our guest bloggers are not employed or directed by the Monitor and the views expressed are the bloggers' own, as is responsibility for the content of their blogs. To contact us about a blogger, click here. To add or view a comment on a guest blog, please go to the blogger's own site by clicking on the link in the blog description box above.